ESP problem maybe??

[Rolfe]

You're beginning to make me wonder if mine has a similar fault.  I have always been able to see "ESP off" in red on that button.  I assumed it was meant to be like that.

I tried to turn it off in the snow the other day, and the red writing on the button never changed.  I got some sort of message on the MFD but it didn't stay long enough for me to see what it was about.

I'm seeing an occasional appearance of a yellow icon of a car with skid marks under it, but it only shows up several seconds after it's blindingly obvious that the car is skidding in the snow.  Which seems pretty useless.

Yes, I know, go read the manual, but if anyone has any tips, they'd be welcome.

Rolfe.

[topher]

It's not unheard of with MK5's (or any car really) but i wouldn't call it a common fault. Each mk generation brings it's own inherent faults.. you have no idea how relieved I am none of you are complaining about rattly dashboards yet

Rolfe it flashes to let you know the ESP is doing it's job. It'll do the same if you try to wheelspin.

Random info also in the manual: As long as the abs/esp unit isn't faulty you can never actually completely disable the traction control.

[Rolfe]

Thanks.  So, it's normal to see "ESP off" in red on the button below the centre console, all the time?

And for this not to change when you do try to switch it off?

Would you recommend switching it off when trying to get going in packed snow?

Rolfe.

[topher]

i didn't see that part.. no it shouldnt be illuminated all the time, only when you've switched it off.

it's supposed to help you get traction in snow.. but pedal control is just as good with it switched off i guess if you're just trying to get moving

[Rolfe]

Pedal control would be good if I had more than one pedal....  The DSG refuses to allow selection of second gear to start on snow, which doesn't help.

I'm not exactly regretting the DSG, the thaw is forecast for Thursday, but four inches of snow and an ungritted hill wasn't its finest hour.

Rolfe.

[topher]

just get yourself some of these

[Rolfe]

Probably a good idea.  Anything to stop neighbour with Chelsea Tractor and 4WD looking so smug....

Rolfe.

[topher]

I'll swap you with my R32 for a few weeks until the snow clears if you like

[maksta]

Yeah each time you start the engine, the ESP should be on automatically and there should be no constant yellow warning light on the dash.

Whilst on, if you wheel spin etc, the warning light flashes as it is being used.

If you turn the ESP off using the button, then I think it constantly flashes to warn you that it is switched off.

And in my case when its F***** up, it just stays illuminated the whole journey and obviously you cant switch it on/off and you get an ESP fault in the MFD.

[maksta]

Hi all

i forgot to update (silly me i know!!)  ... i got the ESP fault sorted, took it in, the diagnosis was done and they ordered a new part (think it was the controler for both the ABS/ESP as it is one unit). well it took around 10 days to get in from germany, and was fitted a week later. my dealer was brilliant and were very helpful in the process! (well they F'in well should be when u have spent that much and the warning light goes on after a week!!!! )

the car has been running perfectly ever since! very happy 2000 miles in!!